Soft tennis facts for kids
Soft tennis is a fun sport that's really popular in Japan. It's a lot like regular tennis, but with a few key differences. Instead of a hard ball, players use a soft, rubber ball. This makes the game easier and more enjoyable for everyone. Both young and old people, boys and girls, can play soft tennis. This is because the rackets and the ball are lighter than in regular tennis.
How Soft Tennis Started
Tennis first came to Japan from England around the 1880s. At that time, it was hard for people in Japan to make good, hard tennis balls. Also, importing balls from other countries was very expensive. To solve this problem, Japanese players started using a special rubber ball instead. This led to the creation of soft tennis, a unique version of the game.
What You Need to Play
To play soft tennis, you need just a few things:
- Racket
- Ball
The Racket
Soft tennis rackets are similar to regular tennis rackets. However, they are often a bit lighter. This lighter weight makes them easier to swing, especially for younger players.
The Ball
The most important difference is the ball. In soft tennis, you use a soft, hollow rubber ball. This ball is much softer than the hard, felt-covered balls used in regular tennis. The soft ball makes the game gentler and reduces the impact when you hit it. This is one reason why it's so popular for all ages.
